If you are looking to restore your teeth to their natural strength, functionality, and luster, porcelain veneers or crowns may be your best option. With veneers and crowns, teeth that were once uneven, chipped or discolored are transformed to a youthful, natural appearance that is long-lasting and durable in just two or three appointments. Since porcelain is slightly translucent, veneers and crowns made from this material reflect light similar to enamel, and are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.

So, what’s the difference between veneers and crowns? While veneers cover only the front of a tooth, crowns cover the whole tooth above the gum line. Wondering which option is right for you? Read on to learn more about the benefits of each procedure.

4 Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a great way to create a brighter smile and increase tooth strength at the same time. Veneers may be the right choice if you want to:

1. Whiten discolored or stained teeth

Veneers are most often sought after brighter smile. Although many patients may have tried teeth-whitening procedures in the past, they may turn to porcelain veneers to obtain longer-lasting results. While teeth whitening typically wears off after a few months, porcelain veneers will last for up to 15 years. The longevity and convenience of veneers often make them a better alternative to teeth whitening in spite of a higher initial cost.

2. Close unsightly spaces or gaps between teeth

Are you self-conscious about a gap between your teeth? Veneers are a great way to eliminate gaps and spaces, giving your smile a smooth, unified appearance. While dental bonding is also an option to close gaps, veneers are more durable and longer lasting. Ask your dentist which option is right for you.

3. Reshape teeth

When patients compare tooth whitening and veneers, they typically focus on the color change each procedure can provide. They often don’t consider the ways that cracks, pits, or bumps in their teeth affect their smile, and may be disappointed when whitened teeth display these imperfections in higher relief.

If you are looking for a comprehensive smile redesign, veneers may be a better choice than whitening. In addition to increasing brilliance, veneers will also smooth over imperfections. And with hundreds of veneer styles to choose from, you can create the smile that’s right for you.

4. Protect chipped or worn teeth

Not all veneers are purely cosmetic. Your dentist may also recommend them to protect chipped or worn teeth from further damage. The porcelain shell provides another layer of strength to weakened teeth.

4 Benefits of Dental Crowns

While dental veneers can be used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, dental crowns are often necessary for more severely damaged teeth. Crowns are often recommended to:

1. Replace a large cavity filling

If you have a large cavity, or a cavity which has recently increased in size, your dentist may recommend a crown instead of a filling. This is because your tooth is at increased risk of cracking, and because larger fillings can sometimes come loose from teeth.

2. Combat tooth grinding

If your teeth are being worn down by grinding, a crown will protect your mouth from further damage. Crowns can also be used to hold cracked teeth together.

3. Protect a root canal

Root canals can weaken teeth and leave them susceptible to further damage. Dental crowns are often used in conjunction with root canals to protect the tooth from cracking that may otherwise result after a root canal.

4. Anchor a dental bridge

A dental bridge is used to fill a gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. The pontics, or artificial teeth, are attached to crowns on both ends to anchor the teeth and keep them in place.

Dental veneers and crowns are great ways to create the strong, brilliant smile you’ve always dreamed of. Wondering about your options? Schedule a cosmetic dentistry appointment today, and we’ll help you find the treatment plan that’s right for you.